I. Problem: Foreign language numbers are dropping! Students are taking the bare minimal just to meet the college requirements. Level III, Level IV, and level V and AP classes are too low to have separate class time, so they have to be combined. This means that the teacher could have up to 3 preparations in 1 class period, making it difficult to meet the needs of individual students. Students complain that these classes are too boring, too difficult and they don't see how they will benefit them. Instead they make sure that they meet the minimum requirements for their college option, choosing not to continue with the language. A. Introduce Problem: Day 1 during the review of the syllabus the problem will be discussed and groups will be formed to work on the problem. § Professional Development Students (PDS) will discuss the problems that they have noticed in their districts with the dropping numbers in the upper level courses. § PDS will discuss any other districts that they know of, which have exemplary upper level programs. § PDS will discuss ways to improve the numbers. § PDS will set up a plan to do so.
II. Activities: A. Research: internet search for exemplary programs, how to start and maintain AP programs, ACTFL and AATF, AATSP, TOEFL, AATG, etc. standards and guidelines. B. Investigate: supportive foreign language instruction/learning software programs.
C. Discussions and Blogs to discuss findings and brainstorm ideas.
III. Possible Projects for the Groups: A. Create a Video Clip to advertise an AP program. B. Create a PowerPoint to advertise an AP program. C. Create a wiki to show how important and meaningful a foreign language is to students.
A. Introduce Problem: Day 1 during the review of the syllabus the problem will be discussed and groups will be formed to work on the problem.
§ Professional Development Students (PDS) will discuss the problems that they have noticed in their districts with the dropping numbers in the upper level courses.
§ PDS will discuss any other districts that they know of, which have exemplary upper level programs.
§ PDS will discuss ways to improve the numbers.
§ PDS will set up a plan to do so.
II. Activities:
A. Research: internet search for exemplary programs, how to start and maintain AP programs, ACTFL and AATF, AATSP, TOEFL, AATG, etc. standards and guidelines.
B. Investigate: supportive foreign language instruction/learning software programs.
C. Discussions and Blogs to discuss findings and brainstorm ideas.
III. Possible Projects for the Groups:
A. Create a Video Clip to advertise an AP program.
B. Create a PowerPoint to advertise an AP program.
C. Create a wiki to show how important and meaningful a foreign language is to students.